Abstract
Ligaments are highly specialized connective tissues that connect bones and transfer forces to mediate smooth movement of diarthrodial joints during normal activities. They also limit excessive displacements between the bones at high external loads. Ruptures of ligaments due to excessively high loads experienced during sports and accidents can upset the dynamic balance between the mobility and stability of a joint and result in abnormal kinematics. This can potentially cause damage to other soft tissues of the joint and eventually lead to pain, morbidity and osteoarthritis.
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Woo, S.LY., Hanford, S.D., Moon, D.K. (2003). Biomechanics of Ligaments: From Molecular Biology to Joint Function. In: Hwang, N.H.C., Woo, S.LY. (eds) Frontiers in Biomedical Engineering. Topics in Biomedical Engineering International Book Series. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8967-3_2
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